(Updated 10:55 a.m.) The winter storm has knocked out power to nearly 1,600 customers in Riverhead, including Peconic Bay Medical Center, portions of Route 58 and Middle Road. Another 2,018 customers in Riverside are also without power, according to PSEG.
The storm caused a circuit lockout that spawned at least two separate outages, according to a PSEG spokesperson. The utility said it expects to restore power to some customers by 10:15 a.m. and others by 12:30 p.m.
The storm is increasing in intensity and the National Weather Service in Upton has again increased its forecast snow totals, which are now predicted to be as much as 10 inches on the East End.
Roads are treacherous and motorists are urged to extra caution. There have been several accidents this morning, including at least three reports of vehicles hitting utility poles. No injuries were reported in any of those incidents.
Riverhead Town declared a “winter snow event” this morning. Residents are urged to move their parked cars off the streets so snow plows can work more efficiently. Riverhead Town Hall and town offices remain open for business, Supervisor Sean Walter said.
Peconic Bay Medical Center is running on emergency backup generators, PSEG said. Power has been on and off at Riverhead Free Library this morning. The library is open but with limited services, a library spokesperson said.
At about the same time as the widespread outage in central Riverhead, a live wire came down on a parked vehicle on West Main Street, setting it on fire. See separate story.
Arcing wires on Shirley Drive in Wading River has a utility pole smoking. Wading River Fire Department is on scene.
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